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Who cares about Thornton?
Why is there so much traffic? Why are the roads in such a bad state? Why do we have so little play space for children? What is the threat from flooding? Are the people making the decisions listening?
In December 2001, a group of Thornton residents, concerned about what was happening in their community, met to discuss how the residents could get more involved in the decisions which affect them.
To be empowered in this way means being fully informed about the issues and what is being proposed. There must be the opportunity for debate, and to communicate and have dialogue with bodies and individuals who make decisions on our behalf. On occasions it is important to stand up for what we believe is right.
Eight years on, Thornton Action Group is still doing this. We have in that time successfully opposed the housing development on the green fields at Poolfoot Farm and campaigned for more open space in Thornton. As a result the Hawthorne Park Trust was formed and that neglected open space transformed. Other spin offs have been our involvement in Thornton in Bloom and the support for getting the Farmers’ Market off the ground. We joined with other residents’ groups in the Protect Wyre Group and with our evidence the Canatxx gas storage proposal was defeated. We are now engaged in opposing a third application.
For the last four Christmases we have organised the festive lights at the shopping centre and outside the Little Theatre. We hope all the children and adults in Thornton enjoy them and have a happy Christmas.
We meet every 6 weeks. Our AGM is in January so why not join us in 2010 and help to make Thornton a better place.
Howard Phillips
Chair Thornton Action Group
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